02
Oct
2020
Flu

What Will Happen When Flu Season Meets the COVID-19 Pandemic?
04
Sep
2020
Outbreaks
by Ralph Morris, MD, MPH

Airborne Coronavirus: What We Know Can Help Prevent Illness

In a nutshell… This article reports on a recent virtual workshop on the airborne transmission of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Based on the state of knowledge of this mode of virus transmission, experts outlined recommendations for modifying human behavior and indoor spaces to help avoid coronavirus infection.   Still image from a “shadowgraph” video of the respiratory... Read More »
28
Aug
2020
Preventing Infection
by Barbara M. Soule, RN, MPA, CIC, FSHEA, FAPIC, and Chris Wiant, MPH, PhD

The Battle against Coronavirus: Surface Disinfection with Electrostatic Sprayers

In a nutshell… This article introduces electrostatic sprayers as an efficient method of applying liquid chemical disinfectants to surfaces. This technology may have significant advantages in helping to control infection during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.   Disinfectant is applied to exercise equipment through an electrostatic sprayer using a backpack model. Sprayer systems are available in... Read More »
14
Aug
2020
Outbreaks
by Water Quality & Health Council

Using Public Restrooms Safely during the Coronavirus Pandemic

In a nutshell… This article presents recommendations on using public restrooms safely during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. These include classic infection control measures, such as good hand hygiene, as well as strategies unique to avoiding the coronavirus, including wearing face masks to avoid its transmission through airborne droplets.   As we venture out of our... Read More »
24
Jul
2020
Preventing Infection
by Water Quality & Health Council

Bacteria-sniffing Dog Helps Identify Surfaces to Disinfect to Help Reduce C. diff Infections

In a nutshell… This is the story of Harley, a working beagle who is trained to identify Clostridioides difficile (aka “C. diff”) bacteria on surfaces. Harley prompts staff in a North Carolina medical center to disinfect contaminated surfaces with chlorine bleach, helping to reduce the facility’s C. diff infection rate.   Three cheers for sweet... Read More »
19
Jun
2020
Preventing Infection
by Water Quality & Health Council

Cleaning and Disinfecting Against Coronavirus: Are We Doing It Right?

In a nutshell… A new U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey shows some consumers are misusing cleaners and disinfectants in their efforts to avoid COVID-19 (coronavirus). This practice can cause injury and may have led to an increase in calls to U.S. Poison Control Centers in the first quarter of 2020. Consumers... Read More »
22
May
2020
Preventing Infection
by Barbara M. Soule, RN, MPA, CIC, FSHEA, FAPIC

How to Clean and Disinfect Surfaces as We Return to Life as We Knew It

In a nutshell… This article discusses guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on cleaning and disinfecting surfaces as Americans return to pre-pandemic life. Surfaces addressed include those in public spaces, workplaces, businesses, schools, and homes.   As areas of the United States begin opening... Read More »
21
Feb
2020
Preventing Infection
by Heather Murphy, PhD, P Eng, and Barbara M. Soule, RN, MPA, CIC, FSHEA, FAPIC

Can Coronavirus Spread through Defective Bathroom Sewage Pipes?

In a nutshell… New concerns have arisen about the potential spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 through improperly connected bathroom sewage pipes in an apartment building in Hong Kong. This article discusses how this new type of transmission could take place, which if confirmed, emphasizes the importance of maintaining properly installed residential drain plumbing to help... Read More »